Reps. Kelly and Chu Introduce Resolution to Designate September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day

Image September 3, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (PA-16) and Judy Chu (CA-28) introduced a resolution to designate September 3, 2026, as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day , recognizing the children and families affected by neuroblastoma and the clinicians and researchers working to develop better treatments and ultimately find a cure. The resolution was inspired by Mikaela Hong, a La Cañada High School student, neuroblastoma patient and survivor, and founder of the Pediatric Hope Project, who has turned her own experience with neuroblastoma into advocacy for children and families facing pediatric cancer. Hong received Rep. Chu’s 2026 Youth of the Year Award in recognition for her advocacy. “Establishing an official Neuroblastoma Awareness Day resolution gives lawmakers and communities the opportunity to help elevate public understanding, foster early detection, and offer meaningful support to families navigating this difficult diagnosis,” said Rep. Mike Kelly, Co-Chair of the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus. “It is critical to spur the development of safer, more effective treatments and ultimately giving young patients a better chance at a healthy future. As a Co-Chair of both the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and the House Cancer Caucus, I’m proud to support efforts in Congress that advance lifesaving pediatric cancer research and help ensure doctors and researchers have the tools they need to develop better treatments and, ultimately, find cures.” “Mikaela Hong has shown extraordinary courage and determination in turning her own experience with neuroblastoma into action for other children and families,” said Rep. Chu. “Neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult childhood cancers to treat, and far too many families face limited treatment options and uncertain outcomes. I am incredibly proud to work with Mikaela to bring this effort to the national level. By recognizing September 3 as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day, we can honor every child and family affected by this devastating disease, recognize the doctors and researchers working tirelessly on their behalf, and bring greater attention to the urgent need for continued research and better treatments.” Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants and the most common solid tumor outside the brain in children. Approximately 600 to 800 new cases are diagnosed each year in the United States, and roughly 90 percent of cases are diagnosed before age five. Despite accounting for only 8 to 10 percent of childhood cancers, neuroblastoma is responsible for approximately 15 percent of childhood cancer deaths. Children with high-risk neuroblastoma often undergo intensive treatment involving chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Even after treatment, survivors can face significant lifelong health complications, while children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma continue to have limited effective treatment options. “Neuroblastoma has been part of my life since I was very young, so I know firsthand how hard this disease is for children and their families. This is why having September 3 recognized as National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day means so much to me. I’m incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Chu for helping bring more attention to neuroblastoma, a cancer that most people still know very little about. I hope this day helps more families feel seen and brings more attention to the need for better treatments and a cure,” said Mikaela Hong, Founder & Executive Director of Pediatric Hope Project, Founder of the National Neuroblastoma Awareness Day initiative, and seven-year neuroblastoma patient. The resolution is endorsed by Band of Parents, Children’s Cancer Cause, Children’s Cancer Research Fund, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, City of Hope, Corporate Angel Network, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Friends of Cathryn Foundation, Hyundai Hope On Wheels, Make-A-Wish Greater Los Angeles, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, National Brain Tumor Society, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Oregon Health and Science University Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Pediatric Hope Project, Rady Children’s Hospital, Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research, Riley Hospital for Children, Stanford Medicine Children’s Hospital, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Stupid Cancer, The Andrew McDonough B+® Foundation, and The First Night Project. The full text of the resolution is available HERE . Issues : Health Care